Rep. Fabian Basabe receives endorsement from Florida Sen. Marco Rubio

MIAMI BEACH - Rep. Fabian Basabe, R-Miami Beach, recently announced that he's been endorsed by Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio in his re-election bid for state House District 106.

"Senator Rubio, it is my honor to receive your endorsement. I look forward to continue supporting our community and strive for unity and a much-needed common sense center," Basabe said.

Basabe is running against Democratic candidate Joe Saunders and unaffiliated candidate Mo Saunders Scott in November's general election. In 2022, Basabe defeated Democratic candidate Jordan Leonard by just 240 votes in his first bid for HD 106.

Represented by Basabe, HD 106 includes North Bay Village, Sunny Isles Beach, and Miami Beach. The area includes a heavy Jewish population, with about 20,000 residing in Miami Beach, and roughly 18% of the city’s current population is Jewish.

Recently, Basabe defended the Jewish state after it was attacked by the Islamic Republic of Iran. He also reacted to the death of Hamas leader Yahwa Sinwar, the chief mastermind behind the Oct. 7 terror attack that killed 1200 Israelis and the taking of 240 hostages in Israel.

Along with Rubio, Basabe also picked up an endorsement from former Miami Beach Democratic Mayor Matti Bower. The first woman and Hispanic to lead Miami Beach, Bower served three terms as mayor from 2007-2013 before being term-limited.

"Mayor Matti Bower, I am grateful and honored by your trust and firm endorsement! Thank you for your long-lasting dedication to bringing our community together and educating us all about the state of affairs, all the while making it fun with your great wit," Basabe said. "Thank you for being an example of crossing party isles, and for being unapologetic about it. You are the best, I love you."

Basabe has prioritized enhancing public safety, fortifying infrastructure and flood mitigation, supporting local businesses, keeping taxes low, helping homeowners, protecting district beaches, ending housing insecurity, and increasing K-12 education if elected to a second term.

Born in New York City, Basabe spent part of his early life in Ecuador before moving to Miami Beach in 1987. After graduating from Pepperdine University, Basabe became a reality television star and well-known socialite before running for political office.

The HD 106 general election is set for Nov. 5.